1) Not a believer in Dallas yet. Poked fun at Collinsworth for jumping on the Dallas train after one win, arguing that you can’t get bullish a team with Romo when it tanked without him. Phil (and Warren Sapp) felt that good teams rally around the second stringer and lift him up, that those three games without Romo were evidence of the problems, so he is looking for more before believing.

2) The biggest matchup Simms is eagerly awaiting (coincidentally, the game he is covering) is Kevin Mawae vs Kris Jenkins in the Jets-Titans game. Since Simms is covering the game, he won’t directly come out and pick a team, but he (or his ventriloquist dummy Collinsworth) does imply the Jets are ‘live.’

3) Likes the Gmen this weekend…”So big and strong, (they) run on everybody.”

4) Likes Miami this weekend over the NE Patriots. Pointed out that they have the least turnovers in the NFL this season. “They are younger and faster.”

5) Colts over Chargers, because Sanders is back, and “yes, he means THAT much to them.” Without Sanders, 20 yard runs, with him, 4 yard runs.

6) Saints over Pack. GB will play man to man, and Brees will dial it up for the win.

7) PLAYOFF CHANCES ALIVE: Broncos, Skins, Colts

8) PLAYOFF CHANCES DEAD: Eagles, Bills

Separately, the panel wondered aloud if 3rd and 15 for the Jets to Keller becomes their 4th and 17 to Bobby Johnson. I’ve seen teams galvanize around a play like that before. I’ve also (lol) seen the Jets fold with stronger hands than this. Like I have said, I have more confidence in the Jets players than I do in their coach.

2) Fact: the 3 best teams in the NFL at the current time reside in the NFC East. That is a little easier to say with Brady gone, the other Manning missing all of training camp (not to mention Sanders out 4-6 weeks), SD off to its typical slow start, Jax decimated by injuries, PHIL to beat PITT this weekend …

3) Prediction: the NFC East will have 3 teams in the playoffs for the second consecutive year.